The larger clone struggle returns to center stage with the return of some fan favorites, in what feels like a sequel to the stellar “Clone Conspiracy” episode from season 2. This two-part episode ramps up tension quickly and then relieves it with exciting action set pieces framed by gorgeous scenery. Crosshair and Omega continue to play a vital role at the center of the plot, and with the assassin clones becoming a larger part of the mystery, we are eager to learn more about how everything ties together. These episodes do a great job of clarifying the stakes for the remainder of the season while also planting seeds for things we know are still coming.
Read MoreSSSW - The Bad Batch S1E16 "Kamino Lost"
Picking up only moments after last week's episode, the season finale of 'The Bad Batch' spent much of its 28 minute runtime alternating between action set pieces, as the squad works to stay alive as Tapoka City sinks into the Kaminoan sea, and hard hitting dialogue scenes as the show unpacks Crosshair's emotional turmoil. For my money, it's the those dialogue scenes that really hit home and make this finale work. Where as I wasn't as concerned for the squads survival during the set pieces, knowing a season 2 was on the way. We are treated to continued exchanges between Hunter and Crosshair that dive deep into Crosshair's damaged psyche and make you feel genuine pity and sadness for the character. To me it's another sign that the show is willing, and capable, of tell complex stories and sets up a fascinating season 2. Overall, the first season of 'The Bad Batch' has to be considered a success. The animation quality took another step forward (the water effects alone in this episode are enough to blow me away) and the storytelling was generally consistent across the season (looking at you "Infested"). It's by far the best first season of any Lucasfilm Animation series, and as a season finale it holds its own against some of the absolute bests in Star Wars.
Read MoreSSSW - The Bad Batch S1E9 "Bounty Lost"
Picking up only moments after the conclusion of last week's epic episode, "Reunion", we follow a wounded Bad Batch as they track Omega, who's in the custody of the notorious bounty hunter, Cad Bane! This week's episode continues the streak of absolutely stunning visuals as we're transported to an abandoned cloning facility in the clouds. Lucasfilm Animation is really outdoing themselves with this series, and the action sequences in the cloudy, sunset lit, hallways of Bora Vio are just a delight to watch. All that being said, and despite some valuable character growth for Omega, it would have been nice to have her capture last longer than one episode.
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